Equality and Diversity Policy

Tavy District U3A Equality and Diversity Policy

Approved by the trustees on 2 January
2019

Review date January 2022

Purpose

Tavy District U3A
(the U3A) is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to promoting a
culture that actively values difference and recognises that people from
different backgrounds, abilities and
experiences can bring valuable insights which enrich the organisation. It sets
out to be an organisation which respects and values diversity where it exists.

Scope

The policy is
applicable to all members of the U3A in whatever capacity they function. Tavy
District U3A’s Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy is also relevant and
should be referred to.

Policy

All members of the
U3A shall treat one another and members of the public with dignity and respect
and value them regardless of their gender, age, nationality, race, sexual
orientation, health condition, disability, social/employment status, religion
and /or beliefs, marital, single or partnership status. Members will be encouraged
to create an environment in which people feel comfortable expressing how they
feel and what they need and that their contribution will also be valued.

Within the Equality
Act (2010), where appropriate to an organisation like the U3A which exists solely
on voluntary commitment, there is a determination to proactively tackle
discrimination in whatever form it takes, including disadvantage,
vulnerability, harassment and intimidation by members. We will encourage
everyone to be as active as possible and seek to ensure that everybody feels
welcomed, accepted and safe. The U3A will endeavour to deliver provision in a
way that genuinely recognises the importance of an inclusive society that
brings opportunity, access and enjoyment, not barriers, to individuals. It aims
to ensure that no individual or group is directly or indirectly discriminated
against and is committed to minimise or remove discrimination within the
organisation.

The U3A will
endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to working practices, equipment and
premises and offer, where appropriate, additional support to trustees and
members to ensure they are able to take a full and active part in the provision
of U3A. Vulnerable adults who require assistance for their needs and wish to
attend any U3A meetings and/or groups must be accompanied by an adult carer of
their choice who is capable of assisting them with their needs, thereby
ensuring their safety, comfort and well-being.
A carer accompanying a vulnerable adult to meetings does not have to be
a U3A member and will not be charged for meetings.

Responsibility

The Equality and
Diversity officer shall be the Chairman of the U3A. It is the responsibility of
all members to make suggestions where improvement is thought to be needed,
desist from or challenge behaviour which causes offence, including for example,
offensive language, attitude or

inappropriate
comments directed to any individual. It is for all members to make sure that
all activities are conducted in the most congenial atmosphere at all times.